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Introduction: HIV is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). There is insufficient information regarding comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors in the Colombian HIV population. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities in patients from the HIV Colombian Group VIHCOL. Methods: This is a multicenter, cross-sectional study conducted in the VIHCOL network in Colombia. Patients 18 years or older who had at least 6 months of follow-up were included. A stratified random sampling was performed to estimate the adjusted prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities. Results: A total of 1616 patients were included. 83.2% were men, and the median age was 34 years. The adjusted prevalence for dyslipidemia, active tobacco use, hypothyroidism, and arterial hypertension was 51.2% (99% CI: 48.0%–54.4%), 7.6% (99% CI: 5.9%–9.3%), 7.4% (99% CI: 5.7%–9.1%), and 6.3% (99% CI: 4.8%–7.9%), respectively. Conclusions: In this Colombian HIV cohort, there is a high prevalence of modifiable CVD risk factors such as dyslipidemia and active smoking. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological measures for the prevention and management of these risk factors should be reinforced.

Background: Risk of anal squamous cell carcinoma (anal cancer) is greater among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We describe the frequency of and factors associated with abnormal anal cytology results in Colombian MSM living with HIV. Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study included MSM ≥18 years old living with HIV screened with anal cytology at Hospital Universitario San Ignacio in Bogotá, Colombia between January 2019 and February 2020. A multivariable log-binomial regression model estimated associations with abnormal anal cytology. Results: A total of 211 patients were included. Mean age was 35.6 years. Sixty-eight (32.3%) had an abnormal anal cytology result: ASC-US 33.8% ( n = 23); LSIL 60.3% ( n = 41); and HSIL 5.9% ( n = 4). MSM with an STI diagnosis in the previous 12 months (RR 1.48, [95% CI 1.03–2.12], p = 0.032) or with a CD4+ T cell count Conclusions: These data provide crucial information to guide scale up of anal cancer screening at select centers in Colombia. Our results also suggest STI prevention efforts and improved virological control among MSM living with HIV may have the secondary benefit of reducing the risk of anal cancer.

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at increased risk of anal cancer. Anal cytology can be used to screen for dysplasia, with high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) required for diagnostic confirmation. We describe the impact lack of HRA had on management of abnormal screening results in Bogotá, Colombia.Material and methodsThis retrospective cohort study includes MSM with HIV who underwent anal cytology screening between January 2019February 2020, with colorectal surgery (CRS) follow-up through July 2020. Cytology results included atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). Categorical and continuous variables were compared via Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank-sum, respectively.ResultsOf 211 MSM screened, 68 had abnormal cytology: ASC-US (n=23), LSIL (n=41), HSIL (n=4). Sixty (88.2%) were referred to CRS, and 51 (75.0%) attended ≥ 1 appointment. At initial assessment, 17 were referred for anal exam under anesthesia (EUA) for tissue resection, and 21 for rectosigmoidoscopy. Having perianal condyloma was associated with recommendation for EUA (P < 0.001), while cytology grade of dysplasia was not (P=0.308). Eleven (16.2%) underwent EUA for condyloma resection.ConclusionsFew studies have described anal cancer screening in settings without HRA. We found lack of HRA limited management of abnormal cytology in Colombia. Those with condyloma underwent resection, but HRA remains necessary to localize and treat microscopic disease. Next steps include implementation of HRA in order to further develop the anal cancer screening program for MSM with HIV in Bogotá.

BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) with higher perceived risk of HIV are more aware of and willing to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is an effective HIV prevention strategy, but there is a lack of data on how PrEP use might moderate the relationship between sexual behavior and perceived risk of HIV. Moreover, most studies have measured perceived risk of HIV via a single question. OBJECTIVE We estimated the moderating effect of PrEP use on the relationship between sexual behavior and perceived risk of HIV, measured with the 8-item Perceived Risk of HIV Scale (PRHS), among Brazilian MSM. METHODS A cross-sectional, online survey was completed by Brazilian Hornet app users >18 years old between February-March 2020. This analysis includes data from cisgender men who reported sex with men in the previous six months. We evaluated the moderating effect of current PrEP use on the relationship between sexual behavior, measured via the HIV Incidence Risk Index for MSM (HIRI-MSM), and perceived risk of HIV, measured by the PRHS. Higher HIRI-MSM (range 0-45) and PRHS scores (range 10-40) indicate greater behavioral risk and perceived risk of HIV, respectively. Both were standardized to z-scores for use in multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS Among 4,344 cisgender MSM, 448 (10.3%) were currently taking PrEP. Current PrEP users had a higher mean HIRI-MSM score (21.0 vs. 13.2, p CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest current PrEP users have confidence in PrEP’s effectiveness as an HIV prevention strategy. PrEP’s effectiveness, its positive psychological impact, and the frequent HIV testing and interaction with health services required of PrEP users may jointly influence the relationship between sexual behavior and perceived risk of HIV among PrEP users.

Chronic diseases are increasing but underdiagnosed in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), where injury mortality is already disproportionately high. We estimated prevalence of known chronic disease comorbidities and their association with outcomes among injured patients in Cameroon.Injured patients aged ≥15 y presenting to four Cameroonian hospitals between October 2017 and January 2020 were included. Our explanatory variable was known chronic disease; prevalence was age-standardized. Outcomes were overall in-hospital mortality and admission or transfer from the emergency department (ED). Associations between known chronic disease and outcomes were evaluated using logistic regression adjusted for age, gender, estimated injury severity score (eISS), hospital, and household socioeconomic status. Unadjusted eISS-stratified and age-stratified outcomes were also compared via chi-squared tests.Of 7509 injured patients, 370 (4.9%) reported at least one known chronic disease; age-standardized prevalence was 8.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.5%-9.2%). Patients with known chronic disease had higher mortality (4.6% versus 1.5%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.61 [95% CI: 1.25-5.47], P = 0.011) and were more likely to be admitted or transferred from the ED (38.7% versus 19.8%, aOR: 1.40 [95% CI: 1.02-1.92], P = 0.038) compared to those without known comorbidities. Crude differences in mortality (11.3% versus 3.3%, P = 0.002) and hospital admission or transfer (63.8% versus 46.6%, P = 0.011) were most notable for patients with eISS 16-24.Despite underdiagnosis among Cameroonians, we demonstrated worse injury outcomes among those with known chronic diseases. Integrating chronic disease screening with injury care may help address underdiagnosis in Cameroon. Future work should assess whether chronic disease prevention in LMICs could improve injury outcomes.

Summary: Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use in Brazil remains low despite free national access. We explored associations of HIV knowledge and internalized homonegativity with PrEP use among PrEP-eligible men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: Brazilian Hornet users completed an online, cross-sectional survey in February–March 2020. We included cis-men ≥18 years old who reported recent sex with men and were PrEP-eligible per the following: condomless anal intercourse, partner(s) living with HIV, transactional sex, and/or sexually transmitted infection. Our outcome was current PrEP use, defined by the response, “I am currently taking PrEP.” Key predictors included the HIV/AIDS Knowledge Assessment (HIV-KA) and Reactions to Homosexuality Scale (RHS); higher scores indicate greater knowledge and greater internalized homonegativity, respectively. Scales were standardized for analysis. Associations with current PrEP use were estimated using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Findings: Among 2398 PrEP-eligible MSM, n = 370 (15·4%) reported current PrEP use. Increasing HIV-KA scores were associated with greater odds of PrEP use (aOR 1·70 [95%CI 1·41–2·04], p

General surgery residents commonly engage in research years after the second (Post-postgraduate year 2 [PostPGY2]) or third (PostPGY3) clinical training year. The impact of dedicated research training timing on training experience is unknown. Our aim was to examine the progression of residents' perceived meaningful operative autonomy and evaluate career satisfaction, in relation to research timing.Categorical surgery residents with 2-year research requirements were surveyed regarding perceived autonomy for laparoscopic appendectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and right hemicolectomy and satisfaction with the impact of dedicated research training on professional development. Meaningful operative autonomy was defined as Zwisch scores ≥3 (passive help or supervision only).Residents from 17 programs participated (n = 233, 30.6%); 48% were PostPGY2. PostPGY3 residents were more likely to perceive meaningful operative autonomy when starting dedicated research training (laparoscopic appendectomy: 98% vs 74%, P.001; laparoscopic cholecystectomy: 87% vs 48%, P .001; right hemicolectomy: 27% vs 3%, P.001). Meaningful operative autonomy declined during dedicated research training but was still higher for PostPGY3 residents for laparoscopic appendectomy (84% vs 42%, P.001) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (68% vs 30%, P.001). By PGY4, PostPGY2 residents reported rates of meaningful operative autonomy comparable to PostPGY3 through training completion. A higher proportion of PostPGY3 residents reported dedicated research training satisfaction (90% vs 78%, P = .01). Training at PostPGY3 programs (odds ratio, 3.06, 95% confidence interval, 1.38-6.80) and postresearch training stage (compared with preresearch residents, odds ratio, 3.25, 95% confidence interval, 1.06-10.0) were independently associated with satisfaction.Significant differences existed in the progression of perceived operative autonomy and dedicated research training satisfaction between PostPGY2 and PostPGY3 residents. These results could help surgical educators make individualized decisions regarding research timing to promote surgical skill acquisition and resident well-being.

Background Despite a significant burden of injury-related deaths, the Plurinational State of Bolivia (Bolivia), a lower- middle-income country in South America, lacks a formalized trauma system. This study sought to examine Bolivian trauma care from the patient perspective in order to determine barriers to care and targets for improvement. Methods Investigators conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with trauma patients admitted at four hospitals in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia in June and July of 2016. Interviews were transcribed, translated, and analyzed through content and discourse analysis to identify key themes and perceptions of trauma care. Results Participants primarily presented with orthopedic injuries due to road traffic incidents and falls. Only one participant reported receiving first aid from a layperson at the scene of injury. Of the 15 participants, 12 did not know any number to contact emergency medical services (EMS). Participants expressed negative views of EMS as well as concerns for slow response times and inadequate personnel and training. Two thirds of participants were initially brought to a hospital without adequate resources to care for their injuries. Participants generally expressed positive views regarding healthcare workers involved in their hospital-based medical care. Conclusions This region of Bolivia has a disorganized, underutilized, and distrusted trauma system. In order to increase survival, interventions should focus on improving prehospital trauma care. Potential interventions include the implementation of layperson trauma first responder courses, the establishment of a medical emergency hotline, the unification of EMS, the implementation of basic training requirements for EMS personnel, and public education campaigns to increase trust in EMS.

Addressing the burden of injury in low-resource settings requires development of trauma systems. This study aimed to describe perceptions of trauma in Santa Cruz, Bolivia to better inform strategies for trauma system development. In 2015-2016, we conducted 16 individual and 11 group interviews with key stakeholders involved with or exposed to trauma. A pile sorting activity showed participants pictures of injury mechanisms to explore perceptions of trauma. Responses were analysed for themes using content and discourse analysis. Among 27 interviews, six were with physicians, seven with first responders, three with community members, and 11 with trauma patients. Pictures commonly categorised as trauma depicted a road traffic incident (92.6%), fall (88.9%), gunshot wound (88.9%), and burn (85.2%). Fewer respondents stated intoxication (51.9%) or drowning (40.7%) were trauma. Coding of responses revealed five themes: trauma definition, mechanism, physical injury, management, and psychological trauma. Medical personnel focused more on trauma as mechanism, physical injury, and management, whereas laypersons commonly described trauma as psychological. Varied understanding of what represents trauma could influence trauma registry data collection. Laypersons' focus on psychological trauma may affect use of designated trauma care hospitals. These viewpoints must be considered when designing policies and interventions for trauma system strengthening.

As a region, Latin America has been disproportionately affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As of September 2020, seven of the twenty countries with the most COVID-19 deaths were in Latin America, with Brazil having the second-highest number of deaths behind the United States (Johns Hopkins University. COVID-19 Dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html, accessed on 15/Sep/2020). Latin America has been particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to income inequality and underequipped public health systems. The COVID-19 pandemic has created major disruptions of the global personal protective equipment (PPE) supply chain, resulting in unprecedented shortages. Few publications have discussed PPE availability in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Latin America. Although Latin American ministries of health, medical societies, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have released PPE guidelines, we can still find reports of limited PPE for healthcare workers across the region.

Background Surgical and trauma capacity assessments help guide resource allocation and plan interventions to improve care for the injured in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To forge expert consensus on conducting these assessments, we undertook a systematic review of studies using five tools: (1) World Health Organization's (WHO) Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care, (2) WHO's Tool for Situational Analysis to Assess Emergency and Essential Surgical Care, (3) Personnel, Infrastructure, Procedures, Equipment, and Supplies tool, (4) Harvard Humanitarian Initiative tool, and (5) Emergency and Critical Care tool. Materials and methods Publications describing utilization of survey instruments to assess surgical or trauma capacity in LMICs were reviewed. Included articles underwent thematic analysis to develop recommendations. A modified Delphi method was used to establish expert consensus. Experts rated recommendations on a Likert-type scale via online survey. Consensus was defined by Cronbach's α ≥ 0.80. Recommendations achieving agreement by ≥80% of experts were included. Results Two hundred and ninety-eight publications were identified and 41 included, describing evaluation of 1170 facilities across 36 LMICs. Nine recommendations were agreed upon by expert consensus: (1) inclusion of district hospitals, (2) inclusion of highest level public hospital, (3) inclusion of private facilities, (4) facility visits for on-site completion, (5) direct inspections, (6) checking surgical logs, (7) adaptation of survey instrument, (8) repeat assessments, and (9) need for increased collaboration. Conclusions Expert recommendations developed in this review describe methodology to be employed when conducting assessments of surgical and trauma capacity in LMICs. Consensus has yet to be achieved for tool selection.

Background: Global estimates show five billion people lack access to safe, quality, and timely surgical care. The wealthiest third of the world’s population receives approximately 73.6% of the world’s total surgical procedures while the poorest third receives only 3.5%. This pilot study aimed to assess the local burden of surgical disease in a rural region of India through the Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS) survey and the feasibility of using Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) as enumerators. Material and Methods: Data were collected in June and July 2015 in Nanakpur, Haryana from 50 households with the support of Indian community health workers, known as ASHAs. The head of household provided demographic data; two household members provided personal surgical histories. Current surgical need was defined as a self-reported surgical problem present at the time of the interview, and unmet surgical need as a surgical problem in which the respondent did not access care. Results: One hundred percent of selected households participated, totaling 93 individuals. Twenty-eight people (30.1%; 95% CI 21.0–40.5) indicated they had a current surgical need in the following body regions: 2 face, 1 chest/breast, 1 back, 3 abdomen, 4 groin/genitalia, and 17 extremities. Six individuals had an unmet surgical need (6.5%; 95% CI 2.45%–13.5%). Conclusions: This pilot study in Nanakpur is the first implementation of the SOSAS survey in India and suggests a significant burden of surgical disease. The feasibility of employing ASHAs to administer the survey is demonstrated, providing a potential use of the ASHA program for a future countrywide survey. These data are useful preliminary evidence that emphasize the need to further evaluate interventions for strengthening surgical systems in rural India.

Aim Five million annual global deaths are attributable to injuries. Yet, a lack of reliable data leaves the true magnitude of injuries unknown in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), like Bolivia. Trauma registries provide a means of acquiring these data. We sought to evaluate methodology, preliminary results, and lessons learned during the implementation of a pilot, hospital-based trauma registry at one facility in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. Materials and methods Data collection occurred from January to September 2015 at Clínica Foianini, a private, 50-bed, third-level facility in Santa Cruz. A paper trauma registry form based on the Panamerican Trauma Society's (ATS's) essential elements model was utilized. Trained nurses completed forms at a trauma patient's initial hospital presentation. Results were analyzed via descriptive statistics. Results The registry produced 91 forms over 8 months. An ICD-10 diagnosis code search of hospital visits showed 2,816 eligible patients, with a registry capture rate of 3.2%. Most were males (59.3%) in their mid-20s with head contusions (19.8%), penetrating/lacerating upper extremity (11.0%) or head (7.7%) wounds, or upper extremity fractures (6.6%). Many forms were missing critical data, with average omissions of 12.5 per form (26.0% of questions) and 23.7 per question (26.0% of subjects). Errors averaged 1.0 per form (2.1% of questions) and 2.0 per question (2.2% of subjects). Conclusion Early efforts to implement a paper-based trauma registry at one Bolivian hospital highlight areas for improvement, mainly within education, training, and oversight. Lessons learned will inform long-term objectives to make the registry a standard hospital program across the city, and eventually throughout Bolivia, arming decision-makers with data for targeted trauma initiatives that save lives. Clinical significance These results provide insight into trauma registry implementation in LMICs, which serves to further inform the Bolivian program and can be applied to comparable initiatives in similar settings. How to cite this article Boeck MA, Blair KJ, Foianini JE, Perry HB, Mata LV, Aboutanos MB, Haider AH, Swaroop M. Implementation of a Hospital-based Trauma Registry in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia: Methodology, Preliminary Results, and Lessons learned. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2016;5(2):101-112.

RESULTS: There were 867 adult patients with an emergency general surgery complaint. There were190 patients (21.9%) who presented with peritonitis, with a mean age of 32.6 20.3 years, and a male preponderance (62.6%). Mortality rates for patients with and without peritonitis are 20.0% and 8.6% (p